Cookbook of the Month | 26 Grains

Think you know all there is to know about grains? Think again. I sure did. I was admittedly undecided about picking up this cookbook because grains are not something you would otherwise get excited about, am I right? Considered a staple, I had always thought of them as something to bulk up meals, rather than being the star ingredients. After an eye-opening visit to 26 Grains in Neal's Yard and consequent purchasing of the cookbook, I now know to never underestimate grains again. The way you treat and cook with grains can mean the difference between an ordinary bowl of porridge and an extraordinary one. I know which option I'd take, even if it involves a bit more prep time!

26 Grains has become my go-to cookbook not only this month, but the months previous. It is filled with both time saving recipes and ones that take that little bit more effort, but each meal I have tried has made me rethink the basics. Alex has elevated otherwise simple meals without any unnecessary fuss. Over a recent period that has seen me lack the motivation to get creative in the kitchen, her approachable recipes mean I can whip something easy up that doesn't compromise on taste.

I have so far tried and loved these recipes: Hazelnut and Butter Porridge, Blueberry Porridge, Porridge Pancakes, Spelt Salad with Beetroot, Feta, Chickpea and Apple, Coconut and Butternut Squash Curry with Black Sticky Rice, Tomato Coconut Rice with Halloumi and Avocado, and Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut and Cinnamon Cookies.

If that's not enough to whet your appetite and convince you to get your hands on a copy of 26 Grains, then this recipe for chai spice will, which makes for the perfect cup of comfort for those experiencing a cold December. Alternatively, this chai spice added into Alex's recipe for homemade almond butter will make you wonder what life was like before the phenomenal condiment graced your taste buds. It can be enjoyed on toast topped with fruit, on pancakes or straight out of the jar. The spiced almond butter also makes for a perfect veganised chai caramel for caramel slice...Watch this space, because I'm currently trying to create the perfect recipe!

Chai Spice by 26 Grains

5 tbsp ground cardamon

2 tbs ground cinnamon

1/2 tbsp ground cloves

1 1/2 tbsp ground ginger

Good grinding of black pepper

1/2 tbso freshly grated nutmeg

40g coconut palm sugar

Mix all the ingredients together and store in a jar in a cool, dry place for several months (most spices deteriorate after a year).

To make a chai spiced drink, mix 1 teaspoon of the spice blend with 250ml milk of your choice and heat gently, stirring continuously.

Podcast Picks | Food, Travel and Art

So I realise that I am probably one of the last people to jump on the podcast bandwagon, but now that I'm on it, I don't know how I lived without it! I've found myself listening to a range of different podcasts over the last month, and said listening sessions have usually been accompanied by some kind of creative endeavor (painting, drawing or cooking). I find that it's such a productive way to wind down and can really lift your spirits. As my life kind of feels like it's in a limbo right now (shout out to post University life and job hunting!), I have naturally felt inclined to seek out podcasts of the inspiring and uplifting kind but at the same time, ones that encourage me to learn new skills or simply learn new things.

I thought I would share my top three Podcast Picks that I have been obsessed with lately, so much so, that I am pacing myself with each episode, because I don't want them to end! If you have any other podcast recommendations, I would love to know.
 

Roam and GoLightly

This has to be my favourite podcast series of all three. I first chanced upon it shortly after coming home from time abroad which, as keen travelers will know, is never easy. Reverse homesickness is a real thing! Roam and GoLightly appealed as it has a keen interest in travel, so I could happily sit and daydream about my next adventure...but it also places huge emphasis on sharing the adventures of the everyday. This description on the blog particularly stood out:

"I set out to find that creative, adventurous lifestyle that I experienced with a passport in hand, except this time it would have to happen in the "real world." With real responsibilities, with real struggles, with a realistic approach to living the lifestyle I craved"

I realised while listening to a number of podcasts that living an adventurous lifestyle is possible without necessarily having to board a plane, and this can be made possible by making time for creative pursuits. Roam and GoLightly interviews a number of talented craftsmen, writers, thinkers and dreamers. I have yet to finish a podcast and not come away feeling inspired. Some of my favourite episodes so far are: Minisode: ROME! | "A Little Bit of Everything" with Bianca Cash | "Grand Possibilities" with Ziza Bauer of Darling Magazine

*Just as a side note, the Roam and GoLightly blog is equally fabulous and worth checking out!

The Jealous Curator: Art for your Ear

I've been a long time, let's say, casual reader of the blog The Jealous Curator, so it took me by surprise to only just recently discover that Danielle Krysa also has a podcast series called 'Art for your Ear'. As if her site isn't amazing enough as it is, her podcasts give an inside look into the lives of some incredible artists. On the inspiration behind creating a podcast series, Krysa writes:

"When I studied art history in university, my favorite part was, well, basically the gossip. I loved hearing why artists did certain things. What was going on in their personal life, stories about other artists they knew and worked with. ART FOR YOUR EAR is exactly that… inside-scoop stories from amazingly talented contemporary artists."

I've always been a bit of an art lover and regret not taking more courses in history of art in University. However, with these podcasts, it's truly wonderful to know that I can deepen my knowledge and awareness of celebrated and upcoming contemporary artists despite not necessarily studying art extensively. These podcasts make for the perfect way to kick start a creative weekend or wind down in the afternoon with a cup of tea. Who knows, it may even prompt you to take out your paints and paintbrushes!

Favourite podcast so far: REBECCA LOUISE LAW: Painting with Flowers (aka my favourite installation artist!)

Olive Magazine

Finally, this is a podcast I only just recently got into, but am certain that it will become a firm favourite. I'm a big foodie, but have lately felt lacking in inspiration in regards to what to cook. After listening to just one episode, I felt like I was getting my mojo back and was motivated to get back into the kitchen! The Olive Magazine podcast is hosted by the editor of the magazine and shares 'exclusive additional content, behind the scenes gossip, expert advice and fun'. The topics usually centre around a specific ingredient or food and there is often a guest speaker, but the podcasts also discuss everything from upcoming events in London to traditional cooking methods and customs of different cuisines. It is an absolutely delightful podcast series. 

Cookbook Review: The Forest Feast by Erin Gleeson

"My hope is that this book will find a nice balance between your coffee table and your kitchen counter and that you will be inspired to cook, eat, share and enjoy colourful healthy food together" --Erin Gleeson

Cookbook author Erin Gleeson seems a jack of all trades. With a natural talent and eye for photography, food styling and watercolour painting, she was able to create a stunning book full of delectable vegetarian dishes. What first drew me to The Forest Feast was, indeed, its impeccable presentation. From front to back, this publication is the very definition of a 'visual feast'; but don't be fooled into thinking that it's just a pretty face.

The Forest Feast is a compilation of Gleeson's favourite go-to dishes that make vegetarian entertaining stress free and will satisfy even the most devote carnivores. As a regular hostess of dinner parties, which take place on the balcony of her stunning forest cabin, Gleeson knows all the tricks when it comes to presenting a jar dropping feast without the fuss.

I have been meaning to review this cookbook for ages as it has become such a staple in my household, even more so now that mum has taken a particular liking to it. Each recipe only uses a couple of ingredients and, even better, require little effort to put together with only 2-4 steps involved. Lately, our household has been feasting on cinnamon cauliflower (yes, it initially struck me as a strange combination too, but its a winning combo), accordion zucchini and fiery red roasted carrots. These and many other of her sides are proof of how much depth of flavour can be achieved with just a few spices. For a heartier main, the veggie roasted gnocchi has become a firm favourite as an easy weekday meal. Even my meat loving father approves.

Alongside sides and mains, The Forest Feast also contains recipes for cocktails, starters and desert. What I love about each and every recipe is the way Gleeson sets them out; on the left side, she pictures her ingredients and her handwritten recipe. On the right, she has a big, beautiful picture of the finished product. These and other added touches, such as her use of watercolors, make the cookbook a delight to read and the recipes achievable. It's not one of those cookbooks where there's plenty of room for error. I never feel disheartened with my end product in comparison to Gleeson's. All these meals can be whipped up no time and never fail to impress. It's the complete package.

Value for money: ****
Recipes: ****

Presentation: *****

Diet adaptability: *****

The Forest Feast by Erin Gleeson by stewart tabori & chang. For more recipes and photography envy, visit The Forest Feast.

Seasonal Baking: Mulberry Frangipane Tarts

 
Ever since I was little, the idea of picking my own fruit has appealed to me. It seems like a quintessential Spring/Summer activity. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the season than to soak up the sun, get in tune with nature and carry home a basket full of beautiful sweet and ripe fruit at the end of the day!

However, where I live, there are very few PYO farms. While I know of one strawberry farm that offers the service, I'm not aware of any other farms on the outskirts of the city and even way down the South of Western Australia. Thankfully, mulberry trees, especially in West Perth, are abundant and there is even one on my university campus. I decided to take advantage of the situation and harvest some mulberries during one of my class breaks. While the tree had been thoroughly picked over, I was still able to collect a good amount of ripe berries; enough to make a batch of frangipane tarts specifically!

With so little ingredients and not a lot of hard work involved, these tarts are a delight to make and eat. They aren't too sweet, with the mulberries cutting through the butter and sugar. They are simple yet indulgent and serve as the perfect afternoon treat. Seasonal baking couldn't get any better than this.

Ingredients

Makes 6-8 tarts

Pastry

110g butter

100g castor sugar

1 egg

250g cake flour

Frangipane filling

60g butter, diced

60g castor sugar

1 egg

50g ground almonds

As many mulberries as you wish (I used 5 in each tart)

Flaked almonds

Method

Pastry

Combine the butter and sugar in a food processor an, while it is still running, add the egg. Add the flour and blend into a dough. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using. Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Press the pastry into 6-8 loose-bottomed tart tins measuring 10 cm in diameter, and refrigerate for 45 minutes. Bake the tart shells for 10 minutes.

Frangipane

Mix the butter and castor sugar together in a food processor. Add the egg while the motor is still running and then add the ground almonds and blend well. Spoon a dollop (teaspoon) of frangipane into each tart shell and gently place 5 mulberries into each shell. Sprinkle with flaked almonds and bake for 25-30 minutes at 180 °C, turning the tarts around halfway through the baking time. You want the edges of the pastry and the frangipane to turn a little brown. Allow to cool and serve as is or with cream.

*Recipe adapted from Crush Magazing here

Currently Pinning: Cakes and Desserts

  1. Caramel Mascarpone Tart with Brown Sugar Rubbed Pears 2. Eton Mess Cake 3. Raw rose and raspberry tart

4. Elderflower, Lemon and Mascarpone Cake 5. Almond and Blackberry Cream Pavlova 6. Nectarine Pistachio Coconut Yogurt Tarts

If my 'Cakes and Desserts' board on Pinterest is anything to go by, then it's safe to say that I'm excited to bake up a storm this Spring and Summer! I have been particularly drawn to desserts that are simple, delicate and rely on the gorgeous produce of these seasons; think berries, stone fruits, citrus, herbs and even flowers. Indeed, my board is shaping up to have a very 'garden party' feel. I couldn't think of a lovelier way to spend a sunny afternoon. What do you feel inspired to bake?

See more here